6 Tips for Better Smartphone Photography
Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology in recent years, smartphones have evolved into multi-functional and powerful devices. They’re not only used for communication, but also productivity, entertainment, and photography. In fact, most modern-day smartphone cameras are capable of producing stunning images with just the press of a button. You might even find that the photography features present in the latest smartphones can compete with those found in professional SLR cameras.
If you’ve recently purchased a high-quality mobile phone in the Philippines with an amazing camera, you’re probably excited to start trying it out. However, before you start taking some snapshots, it helps to understand all the features that your phone’s camera has to offer. After all, you’ll want to make the most out of its cutting-edge technology. You should also consider learning some simple photography techniques to help elevate the quality of your pictures. Even if your smartphone is equipped with great features, not using the proper techniques can result in dull or unappealing images.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to master your smartphone’s camera. If you want to learn some basics, below are six tips that will surely help you capture breathtaking photos:
Keep Your Camera Lens Clean
The first thing you should do before taking photos is to clean your phone’s camera lens. No matter how nice your camera’s resolution is, a dirty lens with fingerprint smudges can create blurry or foggy images. With that in mind, avoid using rough fabrics to clean your phone’s camera lens. Instead, use a microfiber cloth for a gentle wipe. A thorough cleaning session can spell the difference between a bad photograph and a great one.
Find Some Good Lighting
Most phone cameras are equipped with a night mode feature that captures detailed and vibrant pictures even in a dark environment. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip on lighting when taking your photographs. Proper lighting can give any photo a more professional look, no matter where you are. Natural light sources like sunlight work great. Artificial light sources are fine too, as long as they’re not concentrated on a single area, as this may produce harsh and odd colors in your photos.
Use a Grid Guide for Better Photo Composition
Proper composition helps you capture your subjects or surroundings in a flattering way, creating eye-catching photographs that are sure to amaze. Composition teaches you to be more intentional with your photography. It encourages you to think about what you really want to show in a picture and what emotions you want to convey. It also prevents you from including unnecessary or distracting elements in your photographs.
To create well-composed pictures, it’s recommended that you use the grid guide feature that comes with most phone cameras. It follows the rule of thirds, dividing the frame of your picture into squares that resemble a tic-tac-toe grid. As long as you align the most important elements of your picture with the intersecting sections or lines of the grid, you’ll be able to produce some amazing photographs.
Modify Your Camera’s Exposure
Exposure refers to the overall brightness or darkness of a photograph, which is controlled by the amount of light that enters your camera’s sensors. Exposure can help a subject stand out or produce more stylistic effects with darker shadows. Cameras usually come with automatic exposure controls, which instantly correct the amount of light or darkness in a photograph with one press. However, many cameras are also equipped with manual controls, so you can freely experiment with different exposure techniques to achieve a desired effect.
Avoid Using the Zoom Feature
Generally, it’s best to avoid using your camera’s zoom feature. Zooming in on a subject usually reduces overall image quality, creating grainy and blurry photographs. As much as possible, try getting as close to your desired subject as possible for a clearer and more appealing shot. Of course, there are some exceptions. If you’re taking pictures of wildlife or precarious terrain, for example, it may be best to use your smartphone camera’s zoom function so you can keep a safe distance.
Use a Tripod for Clearer Shots
If you’ve got a shaky grip or can’t hold your phone steady, it can be challenging to take clear and well-balanced pictures. Thankfully, tripods exist, which means you’ll never have to worry about blurry or skewed pictures. By placing your smartphone on a tripod, you’ll be able to capture stunning pictures with great clarity. Furthermore, a tripod can give you the opportunity to try out new photography or video techniques with your phone. It can help you get a steady timelapse video, use long exposures, and take low-light photographs, among others.
To transform your memories into amazing photographs, it helps to have a high-quality However, to really maximize your phone’s powerful camera, you’ll need to have a proper grasp of its features and some basic photography techniques. With enough practice and the right know-how, you’ll soon be producing professional-looking photographs time and time again.